THE STORYLINESWho will play quarterback? | Nico Flores made the switch from WR to QB midway through last season, but Adrian said that incoming transfers Malik Stokes and Tyler Clark could see some time under center.

Returning defensive backs | The Spartans return three defensive backs who started eight or more games last season on a defense that gave up the fewest passing yards in the nation at 136.5 per game.

Chip on their shoulder | After winning the MEAC title in 2011, NSU struggled last year, and is projected to finish seventh in the MEAC. The veteran players who remember that 2011 season are determined to prove the experts wrong and return to their winning ways.

THE STANDOUTSBrendon Riddick | So. | 5-11 | 220 | RBRiddick rushed for 401 yards on 87 carries and a team-high seven touchdowns in his debut season, while sharing time with two seniors.

Joseph Hawkins | Sr. | 6-3 | 250 |TEThe All-MEAC first-team tight end caught 27 passes for 322 yards and a touchdown in 2012, and enters this season with a streak of 13 straight games with a catch.

Lynden Trail | Jr. | 6-7 |260 | LBThe former Florida Gator led the Spartans in tackles (70), tackles for loss (17) and sacks (6), despite only starting in three games in his first season at Norfolk State.

THE COACHPete AdrianNinth year at Norfolk State (47-43), 16th overall (83-80-1). Adrian led the Spartans to a 9-3 record, a MEAC title, and playoff berth in 2011, but a seven-game losing streak in 2012 ended the team's chances of back-to-back MEAC championships.